Steps to Succeed at Interview

1. Clarify what you want to achieve from the interview.
The objectives should be clear; you want a job offer, information on the job and the organization, knowledge of the post you are no clear on your objective, you will not feel that interest and enthusiasm which could make you a special candidate in the yes of the interviewer.

2. Do you research as to what the job requirements are success at interview requires knowledge of yourself and the knowledge of the company and the post for which you are applying. Do a little research on the job and the organization to find out as much as you can about the interview, the job and the organization.

a) About the job

• The qualification requirements and extent of duties.
• Reporting relationships and level in hierarchy
• Authority and responsibly attached and expectations of the management
• Employment conditions and locations of work

b) About the organization

• Ownership of the organization
• The ownership, history, size and products
• Structure, policies and principles
• Financial strength, reputation and prospects
• Strengths and weakness
• Collaborators and competitions
• Location of sites

3. Analyze yourself

Getting to know yourself should take place before you even begin to look for a job, but it is never too late to start.

Ask yourself
o Who am I?
o What are my skills?
o What is my achievements/experience?

It is essential to be realistic about yourself; otherwise you may find yourself applying for jobs for which you have the intellectual but not the emotional aptitude.

4. Think positive

An important part of your preparation is positive thinking. Compare the thoughts “I am there where anybody can be with I am there where so many could not reach”.

5. Give consideration to your appearance

Personality speaks volumes. People assess you by your appearance. So, dress appropriately: you should look smart and confident. Remember “a book is known by its cover” finer points like hair, nails shoes should also be given attention. Extreme colors or pattern in clothes should be avoided.

6. Prepare and rehearse questions likely to be asked

These may include questions about:
• Your strengths and weaknesses: why should you be chosen? What are your limitations? How would you deal with pressure and meet deadlines?
• Work experience: why are you leaving your current job? What did you dislike about your last job? How long will you sty with this company? Where do you se yourself after years from now?
• The organization: what do you know about the organization? Why do you want to work with the organization? How do you think you can make a meaningful contribution to the organization?
• The job: why are you earning so little? What interests you in this job? What are your expectations from the job?
• Your interests what are you most proud of? How do you relax? What are your hobbies? Do you meditate?

7. Steps follow for a successful interview

Before the interview begins, there are certain steps to take the t can turn your interview in a job.
• Never arrive late or too early. Arrive with sufficient time to enable you to relax a little beforehand.
• Be polite to all the staff before you meet the interviewer.
• When you meet the interviewer, shake hands, make eye contact and introduce yourself.
• Do not show signs of an attitude of defensiveness or nervousness like fidgeting with your pen or hands, sitting cross- legged. Etc
• Use body language like leaning forward or sitting upright to show interested alertness.

8. Listen to questions carefully

The interviewer wants to find out whether
• you can do the job
• you will fit in
• you are affordable
The questions are framed to help the interviewer learn more about you and whether you fulfill the job criteria. The aim is to judge whether you have the requisite confidence. At times questions are asked to puzzle the candidate. Be relaxed, listen carefully, and then answer.
Whatever answer you give, always remember not to ramble. When you have said all you have to say bring your answer to a close. Remember at the time when you are being interviewed, you are interviewing the employer as well. Do not ask about holidays and fringe benefits. At every opportunity find out how you can contribute to the profitability of the company and bring that to the attention of the interviewer.
Your answers to the questions should speak about your personality. They should show your pride in your achievements.

9. Put forward your own questions

If your questions about the job have not already been answered, you should ask them now. Don’t relate them all to money or conditions of employment. Before you leave you must find out what happens next.

10. Be positive in your dealing with the closing moments of the interview.
All is well that ends well. Last impressions are important too. Thank the interviewers for their time and reaffirm your interest in the offer. Follow up the interview by a letter. A simple not thanking the interviewer for his time will keep your name in circulation without appearing pushy.
Source: “Personal Effectiveness and Development” by AIMA